Joann Flora Gonzales

Our amazing Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend, JoAnn F Ramirez Gonzales passed away December 5, 2019 in the quiet of her home surrounded by her music and her children. JoAnn was born to Candido and Florence Ramirez on May 06, 1948 in Price, Utah. She married her love and best friend Richard J Gonzales in March of 1972, who preceded her in death in 2009. Together they raised four children together, each of them taking on the best of what they exemplified, unconditional love, strength, and courage to face a world without either of them in it.
Our Mom had a special relationship with each of her children, and we all have those moments that she made us feel like no one else in the world existed but us. She took care of us up to her last days, and for that we are eternally grateful.
JoAnn was best known to her favorite people as Grandma Jo. She was the pied piper to them and she loved them in a way that only a grandmother could. Every one of them made her proud and she bragged about all of their accomplishments big or small. Her grandchildren will always remember her as an adventurer, as they would spend summer vacations braving the “walking trail”, getting gas stations snacks and seeing dollar movies with her. She was a master engineer who could create a water slide in her front yard or a fort in her living room, she made any day with her a special day.
JoAnn was a mall walker who could have written a best selling book about all the crazy, funny, and intriguing events she happened upon during her strolls. Most of all she loved showing off her grandchildren while they ate buckets of cookies, drank fancy coffees, or ate a corn dog.
JoAnn never had judgments for anyone she loved, she only wished you the best and would go anywhere to cheer you on in anything that you did, all the while making sure you were fed along the way.
Our Mom was an avid JAZZ fan who never missed a game. She was the center of the group who gathered for each game on the couch. She also never missed Friday night social hour, making sure she brought enough food for everyone to share. We are so grateful for the friendships she made while she resided at St. Joseph’s. They all meant the world to her and she loved the companionship they brought to her life in a way that was both surprising and wonderful.
JoAnn was a true Lady who wanted her passing to be honored as she lived her life, with dignity and peace. Our Mom struggled her whole life with health issues, but she never allowed that to get in the way of spending time and energy with everyone she loved. Instead, leading as only she could – with strength and love. While her passing has now left us with a perfectly round tortilla shapes hole in our hearts, we will try to fill that space with the memories she gave us, and the unconditional love she taught us to show others.
JoAnn is survived by her two brothers and three sisters; Alfonso Levio Ramirez (Sam), Mildred Torres, Candido Ramirez Jr., Levinia Valencia (Thomas), and baby sister Hope Yocum; two sons Matthew Ramirez, Lino Gonzales, and two daughters Mariaelena Wielders (Christopher), Benita Brewer (Mathew); 14 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and her many nephews and nieces.
Her father Candido Ramirez, mother Florence Seipel, granddaughter Jessica Montoya, and husband Richard precede her in death.
Our family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff at St. Joesph’s Senior Living for all the passion and concern they have given JoAnn over the years. We would also like to thank Symbii Home Health and Hospice for all the wonderful care and advice leading up to JoAnn’s passing, especially Alexis, Brandon, and Sucely.
Per JoAnn’s whishes a Celebration of Her Life will be held in the summer months so that all those that would like to attend and those that need to travel will be able to do so in better weather. She has planned an incredible feast with great music, you will not want to miss it, plan to come hungry and bring a great story of her life to share. Date and time will be posted.
In lieu of flowers please consider providing a meal to someone in need.